New additions McDonald, DeFazio could be key for Sound Tigers

Michael Fornabaio

Updated 12:23 am, Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Growing up in Wethersfield, Colin McDonald's goal was to reach the NHL.

He has been there, sure, but that's not what he was talking about when he was following the Whalers. Signing a one-year contract with the New York Islanders on Monday, he thinks he has taken a step toward that goal.

"I'm talking regular-basis, not just a game here, a game there," said McDonald, 27, who played five games last year for Pittsburgh but 68 in the AHL. "I believe I can play at that level. I think I proved myself in the American League the last two years. I'm ready to take the next step."

McDonald and Brandon DeFazio, a teammate with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season, are the Islanders' two latest additions.

DeFazio, 23, had a solid rookie season with the WBS Penguins out of Clarkson, scoring 11 goals and playing well defensively.

"It's something I enjoy," DeFazio said of his two-way game. "I know the role I have to play: Just bring your compete and work ethic and grit to the game."

DeFazio was on an AHL contract last year.

"He's very well-deserving of that NHL contract," McDonald said. "I like him a lot as a player. He's a good, hard-nosed, two-way player."

The Islanders showed quick interest in both players when they became free agents Sunday.

"They said everything a player wants to hear, about opportunity," McDonald said. "A guy in my position, that's all I'm looking for, an opportunity to play in the NHL."

Opportunity turned McDonald into an elite AHL player the past two years.

After a couple of years in a defensive role on some struggling Springfield teams, he signed an AHL deal two years ago with Oklahoma City. With coach Todd Nelson's faith, he led the league with 42 goals. With the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last year, he had 14 goals and a career-best 35 assists.

McDonald's father, Gerry, played for the Hartford Whalers and a year with the New Haven Nighthawks. DeFazio's father, Dean, also played part of a season in New Haven.